Game 83 discussion thread: Nationals vs. Mets

As it turns out, Manager Jim Riggleman had been planning on playing Roger Bernadina despite the Mets throwing a left-handed starter. If Bernadina's back had held up, Riggleman would have used Bernadina in center and given Nyjer Morgan the day off. Since Bernadina won't play today, Riggleman will try to get Morgan consecutive days off Monday, an off day for the team, and Tuesday, when they face a lefty against San Diego.

For today, Morgan will be back in there as the Nationals try to take the series against the Mets. The Nationals have scored runs in the ninth inning every game this series. Today, Craig Stammen will try to reduce the need for such drama. In his last start, he pitched into the eighth inning in Atlanta in his return from the minors. He'll try to keep rolling against Hisanori Takahashi. In between bites of burgers and dogs, talk about the game right here.

Back to reality for this whole team. When was the last time we dominated ONE game from beginning to end? It's been sooooooooooooooooooooooooo frustrating. Why can't I have a stress-free day? Well, I guess I'll have to wait till tomorrow. We won't fall behind, play crappy defense, and just look awful and loose tomorrow because we DON'T PLAY. It's that the only way??? It might be.

I'm beginning to think the problem here is not Craig Stammen or any of the other starting pitchers, but Wil Nieves. This whole losing run started when Pudge went on the DL and the pitching went downhill. When he came back, the pitching improved, but the bats dried up and the Nationals were losing 1-0 and 2-1 games.

Wil Nieves simply does not call a good game. *And* he can't hit. Why is he still in the majors?

In any case, love Adam Kennedy pinch-hitting for Gonzalez as well. Used JD Martin after five yesterdaybecause he didn't want to deplete his bench, but can't let Gonzalez (.296 BA) hit with the bases loaded no outs in the sixth.

Gotta get Kennedy's .230 bat in there...So he can 1) strikeout and 2) be easy pickings for Feliciano later.